Celiac And Microcolitis?

[wendstress]

I was tentatively diagnosed with celiac disease on 12/31/08 from bloodwork. I've been gluten-free for a good 2 months and slowly feeling better....still have a ways to go, though.

Met with a GI and opted to have an EGD/Colonoscopy to rule out any other conditions.

My results are as follows:

1) Gastritis - or - mild inflammation of the stomach

2) Celiac confirmed (moderate villi atrophy with some structure remaining)

3) Microcolitis discovered - or, specifically - a mild case of lymphocytic colitis

I'm curious how many Celiacs also have microcolitis? Or, perhaps could have microcolitis but don't know because they did not receive a colonoscopy???

Long term, it is seeming like the microcolitis is going to be more of a wild card.

Celiac ----> Gluten free diet

Microcolitis ----->Gluten free diet; lactose intolerant? soy intolerant? many other intolerances?

Would love to hear your stories!

Wendy

[QueenOfPain]

I was told that I had microscopic colitis last May when I had a colonoscopy. Actually, they said that it was the beginnings of it, and that it was probably caused from all of the ibuprofen and excedrin that I constantly took for my headaches/migraines and joint pains. They told me to stop taking the NSAIDs and that should prevent me from developing full blown colitis. I've pretty much followed their advice. And my GI symptoms have been much better since going gluten-free last September.

That's my story.

[raisin]

No colonoscopy for me - I'm pretty young and symptoms are vanishing, and I have a hard time getting doctors to take me seriously anyway (because I'm not deficient of vitamins, not anemic, and generally "appear" healthy) so they kind of just let me be if I'm not complaining. But I do have multiple intolerances (Dairy, etc). I'm also allergic to dairy and soy, so it isn't really an issue, either way I won't be eating it. I've been gluten-free about 10 months so I haven't actually attempted to add back the few foods I may later be able to eat (in another year or so, i.e. citrus)

Celiacs commonly develop intolerances, because of the damage gluten can lead to in our lower digestive area, but is that all colitis?

[wendstress]

I don't know the answers.... In my case it sounds as if there is a connection - but I don't know what came first.

I've also been reading on a microcolitis forum, and the people dealing with that have loads of experience (the vast majority seem to be gluten-free). As a whole, they seem to have more triggers than Celiacs do.

Just wondering about those that have both, and what your experiences are!